Nova Gilliatte Jr.

Nova Ensor Gilliatte, Jr., age 75, passed on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born on February 20, 1948. How on earth can anyone begin to describe Nova or what it meant to be his family? Or his friend. Or his colleague. Or his partner in church. Or his fishing partner. Or his hunting partner. Or his travel companion. Or his acquaintance in any kind of way, in any terrain, in any open field, or in any casino or church? Nova was larger than life. He was more giving than most. He was more difficult than some. He was more engaging than all. He was bigger than you. Louder than you. Funnier than you. More devoted than you. He was also more complicated than you. Nova had many passions and interests. He was an avid hunter and gambler. He loved his bird dogs, his gardens, and the woods. He loved to cook and to eat. He enjoyed the dramatic sports—Golden Gloves boxing, horse racing, hunting and the Indy 500. He was generous with his time. He was devoted to his faith, his church, the CRHP men’s group, the Knights of Columbus, the Little Sisters of the Poor, the American Legion, the Seeds of Hope. He was a proud Army veteran, where he served in Germany after graduating from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Nova had a long and successful career as a carpenter and builder and was very active in the Carpenter’s Union. Nova spent his entire career building things. Nova was proud to serve as the Building Chair of the St. Simon’s Catholic Church and he served as Superintendent for Simon Properties. Nova was an affiliate of Gilliatte General Contrators and was later the founder of Gilliatte Builders. Nova loved his guns, and his truck, and his dog. He loved his faith, and his friends, and his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nova Gilliatte, Sr. and Lorraine (Haas) Gilliatte; his siblings, Michael Gilliatte, Gerry Gilliatte, and Marilyn Sue “Susie” Oqurcek (John); his son, Matthew Gilliatte; and his grandson, Noah Gilliatte. Nova is survived by his siblings, Adrienne Wossner, Patty Hatton (Ray), Joyce Webb (Dave), and Steven Gilliatte (Sarah). Nova’s ferocious spirit and likeness lives on in his children, Michelle Gilliatte (Mark Hynes) and Mark Gilliatte (Angie); and his grandchildren, Aden DeYoung, Gavin DeYoung, Rory DeYoung, and Kaleb Gilliatte (Alexis), Josh Hall, Taylor Gilliatte, Seth Gilliatte, Nathan Gilliatte, Zach Gilliatte, and Kayla Gilliatte; as well as great grandchildren, Kayden Gilliatte and Karsyn Gilliatte; and many, many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 519 Jefferson Blvd. Greenfield, IN 46140 on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A military graveside service at Washington Park East Cemetery will follow with interment at Patriots Court. Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield. In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to any of his favorite charities: Little Sisters of the Poor, 2345 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260; Seeds of Hope, 1425 S. Mickley Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46241; and St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council #5290, c/o St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 4650 Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46226. Envelopes will be available at the church. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

Nova Gilliatte Jr.

February 20, 1948 - December 19, 2023